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How do we deal with the hurt and the triumphalism?
The continuation of an important cross-community festival is threatened by sectarian bravado, argues LYNDA WALKER

WHEN the Feile an Phobail began 35 years ago, no-one would have imagined that it would become as successful as it has.

It was established as a direct response to the conflict. Its purpose was “to celebrate the positive side of the community, its creativity, its energy, its passion for the arts, and for sport.”

It was also to replace the yearly street violence which took place, protests against internment without trial of Catholic and nationalist men on August 9 1971.

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